Living room

If you're redecorating your home or starting from scratch, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for each room is the color scheme. The colors you choose can have a huge influence on the end result, so it's good to feel confident with every purchase you decide to make. To choose colors you'll love (and continue to love), let these seven considerations be your guide throughout the decorating process. 1. Light That paint color might look great online, but will it look as good in your home with the lighting you have? Try getting a sample before...

You might not spend much time thinking about symmetry, but it affects you, me and everyone else. For instance, people with symmetrical faces are often seen as more attractive (although we rarely realize symmetry is the reason). In interior design, symmetry can help you feel safe and comfortable. It can also help make a room feel complete. Try these three ideas for creating symmetrical balance in your home. A little symmetry might be just what your interior needs to turn into a beautiful and welcoming environment. Invest in two nightstands instead of one. Placing a nightstand on both sides of...

Open shelving, to me, is a great concept. It gives people the chance to store household items and add visual appeal to their space as well. Of course, open shelving units don't automatically bring style to a room. It all depends on what items you choose to store and where you place them. Here are some tips that I've found useful when filling an open shelf. The best items to store can be considered decorative, too. Behind closed doors, it doesn't matter what I choose to store because those objects will only be seen when the doors are open. With...

Creating a space of your own is a lot of work. If you’re dreading a big move, or a little redecorating, because of all the arranging and rearranging that goes with it, take a look at these design hacks that make big projects simple. 1. Determine your focal point. Whether it’s the TV, fireplace, window, or your favorite couch, decide where you want your attention focused. Once you know what to highlight, your arrangement will fall into place. 2. Use bed sheets to visualize how much space your furniture will need. Fold bed sheets to the size of your furniture...

When arranging a living room, it's often best to place the sofa first. Where will you put it? For years homeowners and renters have been setting up their sofas against the wall. It seems like such a natural spot! But there are designers who say that sofas should "float" and that placing one against the wall is a rookie mistake. So what's the best arrangement? Well, that might depend on your preference and space. Keep these considerations in mind when choosing the perfect spot for your sofa. The room's size If you have a large, spacious living room, placing your...

I recently discovered that the terms "sofa" and "couch," according to their original definitions, actually described two different pieces of furniture. Although very interesting, knowing the difference between a sofa and couch might not help you when buying furniture, as most people now use the two words interchangeably. What's important to know instead are sofa styles. Here's a quick guide that will help you when shopping online. Camel back: These sofas have a "humped" back, which makes them easy to recognize. Camel-back sofas are usually found in traditional or contemporary homes due to their curved lines. Lawson-style: If your top priority...

No matter how hard we try to make our homes stylish and beautiful, there are many little details, like cords or scratched wood, that diminish its visual appeal. Try hiding those eyesores in the home with these 10 creative strategies and it'll make your interior design shine. 1. Seek out stylish storage solutions, like a decorative box or vintage suitcases that can also be used as decor. After all, who says you have to use ugly plastic tubs to keep your home organized? 2. Cover up clutter or lackluster space with a beautiful screen. It will instantly lend your...

I'm sure many of you grew up like I did thinking that sofas, couches and davenports were all the same thing. I've always thought they were synonyms you could use interchangeably and that certain regions in the U.S. preferred one word over the other, much like soda vs. pop. You can imagine my surprise, though, when I discovered that the words sofa, couch and davenport in fact have three separate meanings. Couches Although invented prior to this time, couches became very popular in the Victorian era when they were referred to as a "fainting couch." Couches during the Victorian period...

During the summer season, people often head to their cottage or cabin to take a break from the ordinary and enjoy a relaxing weekend. With the right interior design, you can enjoy that cottage-like coziness in your home every day. Consider these five decorating tips to get started. 1. Bring the outdoors in Cottages are typically set up in a quiet, scenic area. Even if you live in a large city, you can use natural elements and decor to enjoy the soothing qualities of the outdoors. Find furniture made from materials such as wicker and decorate your home with fresh...

When it comes to selecting colors for decorating your space, it’s important to carefully consider your options. The colors you choose will not only add style to your space and bring out your personality, they actually can impact your mood, too! Use this guide to help you choose the right color for the various rooms in your home. Kitchen: The kitchen is a highly functional space where you probably clean, cook and socialize. More than likely, it’s not a room where you go to relax. Try adding small doses of yellow in the room, which can help make you feel...